“We have made a very reasonable, above-inflation offer and I call on Unite to call off this unnecessary strike and join us in meaningful talks with ACAS to avoid causing such hardship for our customers.”

The company said an above-inflation two-year offer averaging four per cent, with some grades receiving up to five per cent, had been rejected by Unite representatives.

It said the best paid drivers were on £11.86, with starters beginning on £9.86, compared to the National Living Wage of £7.20 and the voluntary figure set by the Living Wage Foundation of £8.25.

First Leeds is reviewing contingency plans in the event that strike action cannot be avoided and will be providing more information ahead of June 13. Bus services from the Bradford, Calderdale and Huddersfield depots will be unaffected.